The Department of Veterans Affairs is doubling down on its strategy to become the "most transparent department" in the U.S. government, VA Secretary David Shulkin said Friday.

"I think it's essential that we begin to rebuild the trust with our veterans and the way to do that is to share what's going on in the VA and be honest and open about the problems that we have, as well as the progress that we are making," Shulkin told Fox News' "Fox & Friends."

The steps include publishing all wait times, said Shulkin, marking "the only healthcare in America that's doing that currently."

The department also is publishing what other veterans are saying about their care in the nation's VA facilities, as well as quality data, Shulkin said.

Meanwhile, the VA's most critical issue is the modernize it and give veterans the kind of care they need, including fulfilling President Donald Trump's promise of expanding care options to the private sector.

"That is the president's commitment, to make sure that our veterans are getting the very best care, whether it is in the VA system that's taking care of millions and millions of veterans each year and doing a great job," said Shulkin. "In the cases where we are falling short, we absolutely want to make sure that veterans get the best care in the private sector."

He added that the VA also is working with Congress to be sure it can give veterans the best care possible to meet their needs.

"This is a system that has had decades of problems, and we are not going to get everything at once," said Shulkin. "[We are] pushing for what we can to transform the system and send it on a path."